Seasonal Transition & Diwali Wellness

 (A Yogic and Ayurvedic Approach to Immunity and Balance)

Dr. Balwant Singh (Yoga Expert)

The period of seasonal transition, known in Ayurveda as Ritu Sandhi; marks a delicate phase when the body and mind are more vulnerable to imbalance. As we move from the humid monsoons into the cool, dry winds of early winter (Sharad to Hemant Ritu), the festive season of Diwali arrives with joy, indulgence, and social celebrations. While the lights of Diwali illuminate our surroundings, yogic and Ayurvedic wisdom reminds us to also ignite our internal light; Ojas (vitality), Agni (digestive fire), and Prana (life force).

By aligning our lifestyle with yogic discipline (yama-niyama) and Ayurvedic practices, we can protect immunity, enhance mental clarity, and maintain emotional balance during this transition.

Understanding Ritu Sandhi: Why Immunity Drops During Seasonal Change

According to Ayurveda, Ritu Sandhi (junction of seasons) is a sensitive phase when:

·       Doshas fluctuate, especially Vata (dry, cold, mobile energy) and Pitta (heat and acidity).

·       Agni (digestive power) weakens, causing indigestion, allergies, common colds, and skin issues.

·       Stress and restlessness increase, affecting mental peace.

Hence, the body requires gentle detoxification, strengthening of immunity, and grounding routines.

Ayurvedic Guidelines for Diwali & Seasonal Transition

1. Support Digestive Strength with Light & Warming Foods

·       Favour moong dal khichdi, saunth (dry ginger) tea, ghee, ajwain water, and millets like jowar/bajra.

·       Limit deep-fried sweets, refined sugar, and excessive snacking, which aggravate Ama (toxins).

·       Enjoy festive foods mindfully and in moderation, ideally during the daytime when Agni is stronger.

2. Boost Immunity with Rasayana (Rejuvenators)

·       Chyawanprash – 1 tsp daily with warm milk.

·       Turmeric + Black Pepper + Honey – natural anti-inflammatory immunity booster.

·       Tulsi-Ginger Kadha – detoxifies lungs and throat after firecracker exposure.

3. Oil-Based Rituals for Grounding Vata

·       Abhyanga (self-oil massage) with warm sesame or mustard oil before bath.

·       Nasya (nostril lubrication) with 2 drops of Anu Taila or ghee to protect respiratory passages.

 

 

Yogic Approach: Cultivating Balance & Calm

Festive excitement often leads to overstimulation. Yoga helps regulate breath, energy, and emotions.

Morning Asanas for Warmth & Circulation

During seasonal transition, the body benefits from gentle yet warm stretches. Individuals prone to:

·       Vata imbalance- characterised by dryness, coldness, and restlessness and hould practice slow Surya Namaskar, Pawanmuktasana (joint movements), Cat-Cow stretch, and Paschimottanasana (seated forward bend) to promote grounding and flexibility.

·       Pitta dominance, who tend to experience heat, irritability, or acidity, should choose cooling and calming postures such as Chandra Namaskar (Moon Salutation), Balasana (Child’s Pose), and gentle forward bends to release stored heat and soothe the nervous system.

Pranayama for Detox & Emotional Balance

To further stabilise the mind and cleanse the respiratory system,

·       Kapalabhati helps expel toxins and strengthens lungs, while

·       Anulom Vilom balances both hemispheres of the brain and

·       Bhramari Pranayama instantly relieves anxiety and emotional agitation.

Evening Relaxation During Festive Overstimulation

·       Practice Yoga Nidra or Guided Relaxation after evening gatherings to release sensory overload.

·       Chanting “Om Shanti Shanti Shanti” helps calm nervous system vibrations.

Spiritual Aspect: Diwali as Inner Illumination

While Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness, yogic philosophy teaches that the greatest darkness is ignorance, ego, and imbalance. True wellness lies in:

·       Cleaning the body like we clean our homes – through detox and discipline.

·       Lighting the lamp of awareness through meditation.

·       Offering gratitude to ancestors, nature, and inner divinity.

As Bhagavad Gita says:

“Yogaḥ karmasu kauśalam”(Yoga is the skill in action.)
Celebrating Diwali consciously is itself a yogic act.

Celebrate with Discipline, Glow with Health

Seasonal change and festivities do not have to drain our energy. With the harmony of Ayurvedic nourishment, Yogic discipline, and spiritual awareness, we can turn Diwali into a festival of true health: where the body is strong, breath is calm, and mind is radiant.

This Diwali, let every diya remind you to nurture your inner flame.